Category Archives: Ventura Art Scene

Scholarships available for community youth arts programs

Community youth program: free student art scholarships are available for youth 9- 12 years old. The scholarships are at no cost to needy families. The program is for visual arts, music, theatrical, dance, etc. call  479-4000 or nominate a student at www.MusicAndArtForYouth.org.

They are non-profit 501 (c) 3 for public benefit and education. Despite school district and government budget cuts, we are dedicated to help provide opportunities to nurture youth to achieve their artistic dreams and goals. We seek out young generation gifted kids with the desire and potential talent in music and art. These extraordinary individuals are financially unable to provide the means to nurture their goals.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum “Art Comes Alive” Feb. 18-19

Ludolph Backhuysen_The  Amsterdam

Visitors of all ages can enjoy an assortment of maritime mysteries associated with the life and times of historical characters, portrayed by volunteers in period costume, and hear stories about the fascinating maritime heritage surrounding rare and beautiful paintings dating back to the 1600s and more than 60 world-class ship models, at the third annual Channel Islands Maritime Museum “Art Comes Alive” event, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Feb. 18-19. Located in Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor at 3900 Bluefin Circle; museum entry is $7 adults, $5 seniors/students/active military, $3 children (ages 6-17), and free for members and children under 6. cimmvc.org .

Very Ventura Gift Shop & Gallery presents “Coastal Escapes”

Very Ventura Gift Shop & Gallery presents “Coastal Escapes”. This is a solo art exhibition featuring the paintings of Jennifer Love. Opening night-Jan 21, 2016. 540 E. Main St. 628-3540. 6pm-8pm.

Having lived most her life in Santa Barbara and Ventura, Jennifer Love finds herself drawn to the Ocean to paint time and time again.  With an art career that spans over 30-years, her passion for the coast has led her to specialize in Ocean Artistry.

Jennifer will do a live painting demonstration night plus give away one her paintings to a lucky winner. Opening night is in conjunction with Arts & Eats, Downtown Ventura.  The event features several galleries, shops and restaurants offering art shows or tasty bites.

Refreshments at Very Ventura will be hosted by Aunties Eats and Treats.

Ventura County Potters’ Guild presents “My Miniature World of Ceramics” by Troy Schmidt

On Jan.23 Doors open at 7 pm. Program begins at 7:45 pm
The Ventura Avenue Adult Center
550 N. Ventura Ave.

The Ventura County Potters’ Guild welcomes Troy Schmidt, ceramic artist and miniaturist. Troy will present a glimpse into the whimsical and creative genre of scale miniatures with “My Miniature World of Ceramics”.  He will guide you through some of the methods he uses to create his work and share some of his secrets.

Troy’s miniatures are examples of exceptional quality wheel-thrown porcelain in 1-inch scale; each piece being individually thrown on a full-size potter’s wheel. His miniature pottery can be found around the world and has been featured in many magazines in the U.S. and Europe .

Hawaiian Chieftain by Lorna Amundson

Drop in for a free spot of tea Saturday or Sunday afternoon from 1:00-3:00 Jan. 28 and 29, at the Harbor Village Gallery and Gifts (in the patio area at the corner of the Harbor Village 1559 Spinnaker Drive.) Jewelry, crafts and greeting cards on display and for sale. You will be served by artists in period costumes. Sip tea while viewing tall ship related paintings and photographs.

Work from the Synthetic Studio: Matilija Springs 1” Luther Gerlach

When Weston Naef, Curator Emeritus, J Paul Getty Museum, Department of Photographs had to choose three photographers to exhibit at his booth and participate on a panel with him, he chose Luther Gerlach, Jacqueline Woods, and Metabolic Studio. Naef did not realize that the first two named notable artists lived across the courtyard from one another at Working Artists Ventura (WAV) here in Ventura.

Handmade! Analog Photography in the Digital Era, is the panel discussion title, and is a perfect platform where Gerlach and Woods can expound on their innovative, photographic techniques that draw from photography’s early history, albeit their individual processes couldn’t be more different.

Luther Gerlach has reversed the Victorian tenet of bringing the outdoors into the studio by bringing the studio to the outdoors. Gerlach drives his mobile darkroom to his chosen spot in nature where he may position a model, studio drapery or other inspirational items, and then takes the photograph. To maximize his technique, he uses an oversized wooden camera that he’s collected or built himself, and then develops the image on the spot.

Jacqueline Woods creates camera-less images using vintage black and white photographic paper, photo emulsion and silver and light. Her dynamic theme centers on the ancient and spiritual Black Sun.

16th annual Festival of Talent themed “Rock the World” Feb. 25

“I was impressed by the strong  and professional performances and looking forward to being part of the audience of the finalists in February. “
~ Bernie Goldstein, Photographer

Ventura Education Partnership is proud to announce the 16th annual Festival of Talent will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25. The theme for the event will be “Rock the World”.  “This year’s theme will celebrate our community’s diversity, as well as our strength and unity,” stated Festival director Brian McDonald, of the Rubicon Theatre. Auditions were held in the Ventura High School Auditorium on Friday, January 13.

Ventura Education Partnership produces the event in conjunction with Ventura Unified School District and the Ventura Kiwanis Club.

 

“Hard Six through the Lens” A Photography Exhibit Jan. 28

“Hard Six through the Lens” A Photography Exhibit is a photography exhibit featuring over 20 pieces of art from Southern California photographers. For the past several years, thousands of images have captured Hard Six playing shows, and many have caught behind the scenes moments. This exhibit, featuring some of these moments, will debut at Megasounds Studios.

Opening Reception and Jam
Saturday, January 28, 2017 – 8 p.m. to midnight
Come out for a fun evening of art, food, drink, and music.
An open jam. Bring your guitar or bass!
2789 E Main St.

 

Life in good measure

Dave and Nancy at the Buenaventura Art Association gallery in Ventura Harbor .

by Gail Field

“Once burned, twice shy.”  David Hodge is not one to shy away from a challenge, but one day Dave was burned and turned away from a hobby he loved.  Fortunately, what ensued was a fulfilling life of new experiences.

After successful careers as teachers in Ventura County, Dave and his wife Nancy began participating in historical reenactments, traveling all over all the U.S. and putting on shows for the public. Dave’s particular responsibility for the Civil War reenactment was to set off the cannons in a conflict between the Yanks and the Confederates.  David did in fact get burned on the cannon in his last attempt, and after that he swore never to set off a cannon again.  Instead, he and Nancy turned their attention to historical costuming for the events.  They had dresses and uniforms made for the appropriate periods of history, and sold them to participants and the public, adding authenticity to the events.

Ever since she was a little girl, Nancy has expressed herself through art.  Her paintings show her love of horses, Indian legends and landscapes of the Old West.  David assists, reinforcing his dictum, “A painting must tell a story.”  Nancy’s paintings demonstrate this principle in her paintings of horses with personalities and characters with “attitude” among many other subjects.  Nancy was recognized by the Buenaventura Art Association for her work and her service to the art community with a Lifetime Membership.

Dave pursues his love of history with his business of finding antique firearms and other objects for worldwide clients.  “I love the search for just the right item for my clients.  Recently I found an original Colt revolver made in 1884, now worth a fortune.”

Dave and Nancy are generous with their involvement in the community.  As active members of the Buenaventura Art Association, they participate in showings at the gallery in Ventura Harbor Village, and Dave oversees the volunteer staffing of the gallery.  “You can find the arts and crafts of fourteen artist members of the Buenaventura Art Association here,” says Dave. “It’s open every day at Ventura Harbor Village, and the beautiful works here are made by very talented artists.”

In addition to their commitment to the Buenaventura Arts Association, Dave and Nancy believe in helping the community of animals. On a regular basis, they gather and donate supplies for a local animal shelter.

“We love retirement,” says Nancy, “because we can pursue what we’ve always wanted to do. We have a full life here in Ventura.”

The gallery is open every day from 11 a.m. – 6. p.m.
Harbor Village Gallery and Gifts.  641-2750